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The Mind Power
The mind is a mysterious thing. The mind and the potential power it has to effect changes
in the world has fascinated scholars and shaman alike for centuries. Our fascination with
the mind power has not been diminished in modern times.
The Brain, Source of the mind power Today, people of many different orientations seek
insights into the workings of the mind. Neuroscientists, psychologists, holistic health enthusiasts,
self-described "new age" therapists, as well as everyday people, all seek insight into
the nature and the mind power. But, what is mind power? Unfortunately, when it comes to
understanding mind, there are no simple answers. And, in some cases there are no answers at
all. The best we can do is examine those behaviors that seem to reflect the workings of the mind
power.
For most of us, the thing we call mind is a manifestation of brain processes. Mind power
It is not something that can be cut out or held in our hands. Rather, mind is at the
center of our consciousness. It is an emergent quality that produces our thoughts, perceptions,
and emotions. Without a living brain, the concept of mind has little meaning. Thus,
much of our curiosity about the mind is directed toward the workings of the brain.
We are fascinated by extraordinary abilities tied to the brain. Mind Power we stand in
awe of people who can do complex math in their head or remember in minute detail a scene
that that they only briefly glimpsed. But, our curiosity goes beyond such abilities.
We even wonder whether there are mind-based abilities that do not conform to our current
understanding of cause and effect. Questions that border on the mystical are common. For
example, can the brain influence events outside of itself? Or, through the mind power alone,
can we change reality?
Beyond a doubt, many people believe that the mind is something that can be harnessed. Mind
power in fact, government agencies like the National Institute of Mental Health, as well
as large corporations the world over, fund research into the mind power. Projects range
from the mental control of video games and weapon systems, to the manipulation of prosthetic
arms and legs, to the conscious control of chronic pain. Mind Power not surprisingly,
there are now a variety of commercially available, self-help programs that teach people to develop
their brain power. Such programs are designed to teach specific thinking skills while increasing
the mind power and expanding its reach and influence in everyday life. If we look around,
the mind power is now the focus of many programs designed to enhance academic success, increase
wealth, and improve wellness. For these programs, "mind power over matter" is not just an empty
phrase, it is their goal.